The North Dakota Oil and Gas Division has issued four drilling permits, two in Emmons County and two in McIntosh County, to Strata-X Energy. "The division wanted to make this announcement because it is so rare to see anything issued this far east." READ MORESHARE

ConocoPhillips intends to spend roughly $9 billion in 2014 on its North American operations. The company will increase drilling program investments in the Bakken, Eagle Ford and Permian plays. READ MORESHARE

Principal Technology Inc., an equipment provider for refining applications will supply modular technology to the Dakota Prairie Refinery under construction in North Dakota, a facility the CEO said is prime for such modular technology. READ MORESHARE

Declining well costs and operating efficiencies in the Bakken shale play means leasehold owners need more capital to continue participating in infill drilling programs, according to Mainstream Investors. READ MORESHARE

Marathon Oil has announced a $5.9 billion capital, investment and exploration budget for 2014, of which 60 percent will be directed towards the company's North American liquids-rich assets, including the Bakken.READ MORESHARE